Cargill, Hershey, Leave Grocery Manufacturers Association

Ag giant Cargill, along with the Hershey Company, are the latest to drop out of the Grocery Manufacturers Association, joining at least eight other major companies in retreat. The two join Tyson Foods, Campbell Soup Company and others who have recently left Washington, D.C.’s largest food industry association.

Politico reports many of the companies that have left are viewed as more progressive and had unsuccessfully fought to push GMA into adopting more transparent and consumer-friendly policies like GMO labeling.

A Hershey Company spokesperson offered little reason, but stated the membership was not renewed following an annual review process.

A spokesman for GMA told Politico the association was working closely with its membership to evolve with the changing times.